From watching parts of the movie Reign Over Me, it seems like Charlie Fineman is suffering from PTSD, posttraumatic stress disorder. It is known that the symptoms of PTSD is constantly re-experiencing the traumatic event, persistant avoidance of any stimuli that was related to the event, numbing of general responsiveness, and persistent symptoms of increased autonomic arousal. It was evident that Charlie was constantly reminded of the fear of the 9/11 because he lost all his family members. Because of his specific behaviors right before his family members' death, he suffers from phobia of the specific place where it took place. He also refuses to talk with other people about his feelings, and often shows violent behaviors.
He should be getting some cognitive-behavioral therapy. By having a conversation with someone who would deeply understand Charlie's problems and feelings, Charlie would feel less miserable and try to change his negative feelings. He doesn't have to give any details about what happened, but if he lets something out of him, he should feel much lighter.
If I were his friend, I would pretend like nothing really happened at first. And then I would try to talk to him and share my unfortunate experiences to make him feel better. If I share some of my tragic events and show him that I'm not too depressed about it, he would also become hopeful again and try to get over with his misfortunes. When I talk to him, I will not sound pitiful because that will only make him feel even more miserable.
He should be getting some cognitive-behavioral therapy. By having a conversation with someone who would deeply understand Charlie's problems and feelings, Charlie would feel less miserable and try to change his negative feelings. He doesn't have to give any details about what happened, but if he lets something out of him, he should feel much lighter.
If I were his friend, I would pretend like nothing really happened at first. And then I would try to talk to him and share my unfortunate experiences to make him feel better. If I share some of my tragic events and show him that I'm not too depressed about it, he would also become hopeful again and try to get over with his misfortunes. When I talk to him, I will not sound pitiful because that will only make him feel even more miserable.